Tackling poverty in Llanelli

Nia Griffith MP and Keith Davies AM have welcomed a visit by Vaughan Gething – the Welsh Government Deputy Minister for Tackling Poverty to some of Llanelli’s flagship projects working in the towns less well off areas.

Mr Gething accompanied the local MP and AM to the Llwynhendy Flying Start Children’s Centre to see first hand the work being undertaken to engage with children and their parents in the area. 1,112 children and their families benefitted from the Flying Start programme countywide last year over a range of projects.

Commenting on the Ministerial visit to Llwynhendy Keith Davies AM said “I was encouraged by Vaughan’s visit yesterday, he spoke passionately about tackling poverty but was realistic about the challenges we face – especially in our most deprived communities. But is clear from the feedback we received that the determination of the Welsh Government is making a difference.”

Changes to the Communities First programme now mean that more of Llanelli such as Pwll, Glan-Y-Mor and Trimsaran can access new support packages aimed at creating better educated, healthier and more prosperous communities. In his second visit, Mr Vaughan received a presentation on the ambitious work programme for Llanelli, managed by the County Council which has received £1.35million providing services to 22,000 people.

Nia Griffith MP who also attended the Communities First presentation said:

“I was pleased to see Vaughan Gething here in Llanelli. The statistics show that Llanelli has some of the poorest areas in Wales and so communities here need to be supported. Let’s be clear, it is harder now than ever for hard working families on low incomes to get by with the cost of living crisis that David Cameron is failing to tackle.

“It is very heartening to see the opportunities provided for local families, and the dedication of staff. i. I would encourage everyone who can to take up the opportunities this programme offers – as Wales is leading the way providing help not available in other parts of the UK.”

Speaking about the need to tackle poverty, Deputy Minister Vaughan Gething AM said: “That is why we are actively supporting people in Llanelli to help those out of work to find jobs, making sure people have the right skills and education to improve their chances.

“I am in the town to see for myself the excellent work that is already underway to address this issue and to listen to the experiences of people on the ground.”